An unusual way to get into science

Combine a love of science with other careers.

So, you thought science was all about doing a science degree at
university? Working in a lab? You're wrong!

I caught up with Andreas Streit from the Year of the Bat
campaign. He's involved with a science-based organisation now, but
that's not how he started his career. Andreas shows that if you
have a love for science as well as other career interests you can
combine them both.

Andreas Streit, Executive
Secretary of EUROBATS

Andreas studied international relations and political science
with law at university. Eventually, Andreas' experience in
international relations - also know as dealing with headstrong and
important people - led to him becoming Executive Scretary of the
European Bat Agreement, EUROBATS, an international
treaty for the conservation of bats in Europe. At EUROBATS, Andreas' job involves:

arranging meetings and agreements between heads of conservation
agencies, governments and environmental organisations.

raising public awareness of the need for conservation of
bats.

persuading governments to sign up to the EUROBATS
agreement.

travelling to interesting places.

Working in international relations and science is a perfect
combination for Andreas. He goes into the field with the highly
qualified EUROBATS zoologists to study bats. Now, Andreas loves
bats and wants to share this love with everyone else. He says bats
are fun, interesting and captivating - see our Year of the Bat
article if you don't believe us!

Are you interested in changing the laws surrounding animals? Why
not take up law or international relations and specialise in this
area? Or you could be a zoologist or biologist and provide the
evidence that lawyers need prove that laws should be changed and
that species need to be protected.

A love of science and lots of conservation experience will be an
advantage, so get volunteering and you could help the Earth's
endangered species!